The federal election could end up being a referendum on industrial relations and the union movement, according to qualitative research from Roy Morgan Research.

Morgan has looked at the concerns electors have if the Coalition is returned or if Labor is successful at the election.

The government will be delighted to see just how highly the issues of union power and influence and the economy rate in voters’ minds.

Concerns about the Coalition include: industrial relations and worker’s rights; the recent interest rate rise; integrity (not telling the truth etc); Iraq and terrorism; social issues such as health and education; the length of time in office; handling of the environment and the continuing leadership spats between the Prime Minister and the Treasurer.

Concerns about a Labor government include: increased power and influence for the trade union movement; poor economic management; future economic prosperity; Labor control of all the states and the Commonwealth; reversal of the unfair dismissal laws, inexperience and housing costs.

Twenty-six per cent of the electors surveyed said nothing concerned them if the Coalition was returned, compared to 25% if Labor is successful. Nine per cent could not say what would concern them if the government was successful, compared to 10% for the ALP.

Pollster Gary Morgan says “The latest Roy Morgan qualitative research shows that if a Federal election were held today it would be essentially a referendum on union power and IR.

“The fear and distrust of unions should be a concern to Kevin Rudd and his ALP Parliamentary colleagues.”

Morgan believes the influence last week’s interest rate rise and jittery international markets is yet to be fully felt.

“The ALP Morgan Poll lead will drop significantly between now and whenever the election is held – most likely in late November or December,” he says.

“The Coalition would be poorly advised to call an election in the near future considering the current international financial crisis.

“While a week is a long time in politics, a day is a long time in international finance, particularly when it involves billions of dollars and the livelihoods of many people.”